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So, are you ready for a new adventure? This time, you’re going to intern abroad. In contrast to your pals back home, you will be moving to a new place, getting familiar with a new culture, and engaging with an unknown language, all while handling the specifications of your new job. No matter how challenging this may sound, there’s no need to get panic-stricken! We’ve come up with some quick tips and tricks that will help you to get used to the new environment, no matter where you’re going to do your internship. Take a closer look at some simple recommendations to make the most of your internship season.

Research, Research, Research

The most crucial thing that you have to do before leaving is finding out more about the country you’re going to set off to. The reality is that knowing all the details will ease your adjusting to the unknown environment. Learn the culture of the new country inside out because the longer you wait to integrate into where you are, the harder it will be to feel finally comfortable there.

Keep in mind that learning about the country means much more than just watching some TV shows made where you are or YouTube videos about where to spend a Saturday night in the city you’re going to intern in. Browse books, read the blog posts and get in touch with the locals on Couchsurfing, where people will be happy to share some valuable advice and secrets.

Check Local Prices

You never know what exactly you’re going to deal with during your internship abroad. One thing is certain that everything from grocery, dentist, writing company, transportation to dates, taxes, police, and parties will be on your plate. Plus, you will definitely have to look for your own housing, which means you should take care of the rental fees as well. What it all comes down to is that it is important to set the so-called pre-internship budget. Pick the method that works for you, and go towards your money goals.

Be Ready to Homesick

Without a doubt, you’re going to meet some cool people while doing your internship. Nonetheless, missing your home is unavoidable. Your kindergarten friends, parents, and relatives are impossible to replace, and missing them is quite painful. However, you need to be ready to feel lonely at times. Moreover, there will be times where you’re ready to leave on the first plane to your country. But the truth is that homesickness is just part of the story.

Learn the Basic Language of the Area

Chances are you may get lucky to work in a country where English is the second official language. However, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the basic language of the place that will be your home for a certain period of time. Thus, you will be able to get to know both – the local people and the city. It’s so nice to say some primitive things like “hi,” “goodbye,” and “how are you?” to the co-workers, who don’t speak English fluently. Besides, your internship is a great chance to practice the language and improve your pronunciation.

Make sure to purchase a dictionary or install some app to get around with and ensure to use the basic phrases and sentences to communicate with the others in everyday life.

Become Friends with Locals

Making local friends is crucial if you want to build a solid network. However, becoming friends with local people will boost your internship experience. Besides, having a nice pal to enjoy a coffee or “How I Met Your Mother” after work will help you know more about your current place of stay.

See someone at a local café doing the graphic design you’re studying? Do not hesitate to talk to them. It can be a perfect way to engage with the local people and dip your toes into the new environment.

Have the Back-up Plan

Even if everything runs smoothly, ensure to know how to get back home at any moment. The best thing is to have the taxi number, the pal, or the city map in order to avoid unexpected challenges. As people say, forewarned is forearmed.

Doing an internship in a foreign country will definitely make a huge impact on your life. However, it doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of this phase of life. If you follow these recommendations, you’re bound to be successful. Just make sure to avail of every other opportunity on your way because time flies, and sooner than you know, you’ll be on your way home.